Georgia and Auburn have played the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry in November every season since 1937. With the new change, the Georgia-Auburn game will take place in September or October with the Tennessee contest taking place in November.

Auburn pushed for the move after the SEC schedule was altered when Missouri and Texas A&M joined the conference in 2012. To make the schedule work, Georgia was forced to travel to Auburn in consecutive seasons (2012 and 2013).

As a result of that change, Auburn now hosts Georgia and Alabama in odd seasons and plays in Athens and Tuscaloosa in even seasons, often in the span of three weeks.

At the same time, Georgia now plays at Auburn and Georgia Tech in odd years and hosts them in even years. And the Auburn and Georgia Tech games are usually close on the calendar.

Most reports indicate that moving the Georgia-Auburn game was considered beneficial for both schools as it would put some separation between two rivalry games that were being played close together.

Back to Georgia playing at Auburn in back-to-back seasons, UGA Director of Athletics Greg McGarity said today that the favor likely won’t be returned to Georgia any time soon.

UGA A.D. Greg McGarity also said he doesn't foresee Auburn coming to Georgia twice in a row to return the favor from 2012, barring something unforeseen, such as another round of expansion or the end of division play. https://t.co/fITotgqETR

Former UGA quarterback Justin Fields has been ruled immediately eligible to play at Ohio State, the NCAA announced on Friday.

Justin Fields transferred to Ohio State after not receiving much playing time as a true freshman in Athens. Fields was second string behind true sophomore Jake Fromm and likely would have remained there heading into the 2019 season.

The transfer waiver application seeking immediate eligibility for student-athlete Justin Fields that The Ohio State University submitted to the NCAA has been approved. Fields will be eligible to compete in the 2019-20 academic year.

“I am happy for Justin and his family,” Ohio State head coach Ryan Day said. “I also want to express my appreciation to the NCAA for its assistance in getting this matter resolved efficiently and with such a positive outcome for Justin.”

Shortly after the NCAA’s release, Justin Fields issued a statement. He addressed his time in Athens and rumors that were reported by several websites concerning his treatment in Athens.

I thank God for His guidance during this time of uncertainty. I would like to thank the NCAA for its approval of the waiver allowing me to be eligible to play football this fall. I also want to thank all those who supported and encouraged my family and me during this process. While my case was pending before the NCAA, my family and I did not feel that it was appropriate to publicly speak about the circumstances leading to my transfer. In my silence, people began to speculate, and the story took on a life of its own.

Now that this matter is concluded, I would like to clarify some facts. I have no regrets about my time at UGA and have no hard feelings for the school or football program. My overall experience at UGA was fully consistent with UGA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. My sister is a softball player at UGA. I am still close friends with many of my UGA teammates. A part of me will always be a Georgia Bulldogs fan.

To Buckeye Nation: thank you for your warm welcome. I will work hard to represent you and The Ohio State University in a professional and respectful manner. My dad always tells me that “you can’t get to where you are going by looking in the ‘rear view mirror.”‘ I’m ready to move forward and embrace the next season of my life. I will not be speaking about my transfer again. Instead, I will focus all of my attention on getting to work in the classroom and on the field- and doing whatever else I can to help my teammates as we prepare for the 2019 season.

Now that this matter has been resolved, the Justin Fields saga appears to be over. Moving forward, discussion should turn to his performance for Ohio State.

It’s possible that the Georgia Bulldogs will meet the Ohio State Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff during the next few seasons. If that happens, of course it’s Go Dawgs!